Jeffrey Pyne, convicted of second-degree murder in mother's death, sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison WITH VIDEOS

The Oakland Press/VAUGHN GURGANIAN
Bernie Pyne, father of Jeffrey Pyne, tells the media his son did not kill Ruth Pyne.

A Highland Township man convicted of second-degree murder in the beating and stabbing death of his mother has been sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison.

Jeffrey Pyne was found guilty last month after a weeks-long trial that garnered national attention from national television programs "48 Hours," Nancy Grace and Good Morning America, among others.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Leo Bowman noted that most other defendants he sentences "pale in comparison" to Pyne, who was valedictorian of his high school and recognized as one of WXYZ-TV's "Best and Brightest" students. However, that did not affect his sentence.

"Those that are low are held to the law," Bowman said. "Those that may not have had opportunities are held to the law, and so too are those that have had that opportunity. Even though Mr. Pyne is a very intelligent young man ... (and) he's had numerous opportunities, the law holds him to the same standard."

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Watch a report on the sentencing of Jeffrey Pyne during today's News at Noon.

Pyne addressed the court briefly before sentencing and maintained his innocence.

"I continue to and will always maintain my innocence in this crime," he said.

"I hope and have faith that one day the truth will be known and I will be acquitted."

Pyne, who at times appeared to be choking back tears, thanked his family and supporters.

"I ask that you consider the facts presented at trial, a complete absence of evidence that connects me to this crime. My family -- especially my father and sister -- want and need me home so we can begin to move on and heal from this tragedy."

Pyne, who was charged with first-degree murder but found guilty of a lesser charge of second-degree murder, was accused of hitting his mother, Ruth Pyne, in the head several times with a two-by-four before turning her over and stabbing her several more times in the neck.

The incident occurred in the garage of the family home on May 27, 2011.

Four members of Pyne's family also asked for leniency in sentencing.

"The jury rendered its verdict," Pyne's father, Bernie Pyne, said.

"However, nobody knows who killed my wife. I ask for leniency in sentencing so my family can begin to be put back together."

Bowman said he received "numerous" letters and cards from around the country, most of which were in support of Pyne, and "98 percent of which" argued that there was a lack of evidence to convict him.

"Twelve jurors in this case heard the evidence that was presented against Mr. Pyne," he said.

"They were convinced, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr. Pyne committed the offense which they found him guilty of."

Bowman said he disagreed that there was a lack of evidence, noting particularly the time frame in which the crime must have been committed.

"Crucial in this case was that the window of opportunity for any other individual to have committed this offense was approximately 45 minutes to an hour," Bowman said.

"The jurors in this case were satisfied with the people's theory that no other person entered the house in this case and committed the offense. They were satisfied that it was Mr. Pyne. I can't say that the jury was wrong."

Bowman said he did not see any reason to be lenient.

"Mrs. Pyne was brutally murdered," he said.

"One may never know just exactly what went on in this home at the minutes and at the hour that (Ruth Pyne was killed), what went on to give rise to this.

"(Jeffrey Pyne) could assist the court in determining whether or not some leniency, some compassion, some departure away from the recommended sentencing in this case is appropriate, but there simply is not -- there is absolutely nothing on the record surrounding what gave rise in the final moments of the victim's life that would warrant this court to deviate from the sentencing recommendations.

"The victim was brutally beaten, stabbed 16 times, and left to die. That's what the record is."

Bowman said Pyne presents a danger to society.

"I believe, until Jeffrey acknowledges his role in this crime and finds a way to deal with the anger and rage that caused him to do such a horrible act, it is not safe for him to be free."